AFI Splashes Millions on Beneficiaries in Southeast, Reassures Commitment to Bettering Society

Izunna Okafor
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AFI Splashes Millions on Beneficiaries in Southeast, Reassures Commitment to Bettering Society

 

 

By Izunna Okafor, Awka

Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, was recently agog with activities and merriments, as the South-Eastern region of the Adorable Foundation International (A.F.I.) held its end-of-year bash and empowerment programs for the year 2024.

Held at the A.F.I. Regional Headquarters in Awka, the well-attended event, which brought together a large crowd and stakeholders, was a blend of charity, entertainment, and inspiration, with many individuals leaving with smiles on their faces and hearts full of hope.

A.F.I., it was gathered, is a non-governmental organization with its objectives and vision primarily centered on societal transformation and poverty alleviation through delivering of better livelihood, empowerment and assistance to the less privileged of all ages, classes, tongues, tribes and drug addicts. The Foundation, which is one of the most renowned in the region, has revived many hopes and contributed significantly to bettering society through its various initiatives and yearly activities.

Speaking in an interview with this reporter shortly after the event, the Southeast Coordinator of A.F.I., Mayor Chigozie Nwizu-Attueyi (popularly known as Duke), explained that the event was part of the foundation’s commitment to empowering the less privileged, giving back to the society and touching lives through meaningful and impactful programs.

He noted that the initiative aims to appreciate and encourage its members and also put smiles on the faces of families, considering the prevailing economic realities in the country, and especially during this festive season when many struggle to make ends meet. He also expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the joy evident among beneficiaries.

According to him, “This is not about giving out millions; it is about making an impact, no matter how little, in the lives of those who need it the most, and being there always for them with the little we can. It is also our way of contributing to society and showing love to the masses.”

While emphasizing the importance of consistent charitable gestures, the Utuh-born philanthropist further stressed that the Foundation remains focused on empowering individuals, fostering peace, and addressing societal challenges.

When asked his motivation behind his philanthropy, especially given the common speculation that most philanthropists these days usually nurse political ambitions, Attueyi unequivocally stated that his philanthropy and charity works have no political undertone or any selfish ambition attached to them.

“I wish to repeat this for the umpteenth time: I am not interested in any political office, whether elected or appointed. I have been blessed by God, and my charity work is purely a way of giving back to society and showing appreciation to God for His blessings in my life.

“I am not running for any political office, and I have no interest in any form of political appointment. This is something I have been doing consistently for more than ten years now, and each year, it gets bigger. And I will continue to do so,” he emphasized.

He further explained that philanthropy, for him, is a calling, while the joy it brings to others is his greatest reward.

“I feel so elated helping people in any way I can, to better their lives,” he added.

The A.F.I. Southeast Coordinator also used the opportunity to call on members of the public who are privileged in one way or the other to always extend a helping hand to the less fortunate in society.

“We all have a role to play in making society better. Even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way in transforming lives and building a better community. And one thing about philanthropy is that the more you give, the more God gives to you,” he admonished.

While congratulating and commending the A.F.I. members for their dedication and commitment in championing the Foundation’s goals and initiatives, the A.F.I. Coordinator also expressed optimism about the foundation’s future initiatives, noting that plans are already underway for more impactful programs in 2025.

 

Among the prominent dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Nnewi South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Van George Ezeogidi; his Idemili North counterpart, Hon. Stanley Nwkoka; the Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme; the President-General of Utuh Community, Chief Ignatius Ofordi; a business mogul, Chief Chima Awuzie, among others, who, in their separate remarks, all lauded the Foundation and its Regional Coordinator, Attueyi, for the various impacts so far made, while also reassuring of their solidarity.

Held in collaboration with 100% Entertainment, the event, which was a mix of entertainment and philanthropy, featured the distribution of bags of rice and financial support ranging from N30,000 to N200,000 each to 49 members and beneficiaries drawn from the five Southeastern states and beyond. The event also saw the Host distribute educational materials to school children, in addition to cash rewards offered to some others.

Speaking on behalf of others, some of the beneficiaries, including Lady Ifeoma Onuogu, Mr. John Nweke, and Lady Ngozi Isabella, expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, which they described as a lifeline during difficult times. They noted that the support they received would go a long way in easing their burdens while also helping them celebrate the festive season with greater joy.

Among others, the high points of the event include chanting of solidarity songs by A.F.I. members and beneficiaries in their joyful appreciation to the Foundation and its leadership; as well special musical performances and cultural displays by some music troupes, which all jointly made the event exciting, colorful, entertaining, and memorable.

More photos from the event:

Anambra South Forum Dismisses Allegations Of Marginalizing Nnewi South. Insists On Merit Not Mediocrity

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Anambra South Forum Dismisses Allegations Of Marginalizing Nnewi South. Insists On Merit Not Mediocrity

 

By Okey Maduforo Awka

The Anambra South Forum ASF has dismissed the demands by some Nnewi South leaders that they should be allowed to produce the next Senator for Anambra South Senatorial District.

It further contended that the Senatorial seat of the District should not be reduced to a mere compensatory position adding that the would be representative should be one that would carry the area along and not one that would go to speak for Nnewi South local government alone .

Contained in the resolution signed by it’s Convener Elder Samuel Ezenwafor from Orumba North, Mr Frednand Okoli Secretary Orumba South, Mrs Monica Nwachukwu member Nnewi South, Mr Andrew Chukwuma member from Nnewi North , Mrs Uchenna Nwankwo member Aguata, Engr Stephen Nwosu member Ekwusigo and Comerade Chigozie Orji member Ihiala local government area it stated ;

“That political parties are free to nominate their respective candidates without the inducement of any pressure group”

“That the exhulted position as high as Senator is not one that should be reduced to a mere compensatory entitlements”

“That the issue in focus is the socioeconomic upward mobility of Anambra South Senatorial District and should not be sacrificed on the altar of mediocrity”

” That what Anambra South wants at this point is to sustain the developmental strides already going on in the area under the stewardship of Gov Charles Soludo which needs a Senator that can deliver to the District and not to a local government area”

” That we urge the good people of Anambra South Senatorial District to discountenance this agitation as it smacks of mediocrity and not meritocracy”

” That in line with the Supreme Court judgement of then Vice President Atiku Abubakar while contesting in Action Congress AC it ruled that the nomination of a political party candidate is an internal affairs of the party hence extraneous influences cannot change the party’s nominations which indeed means that no political party is mandated to dance to the whims and caprise of pressure groups or agitations when it is not even encapsulated in the party’s constitution”

“To this end, we urge all and sundry to see the position of the next Senator to represent the good people of Anambra South Senatorial District as one that can deliver the wishes and aspirations of the entire Anambra South Senatorial District and not the sectional ambitions of some people who claim to be speaking for our brothers and sisters in Nnewi South local government area”the group stated .

Chidoka rues loss of N17.4 trillion over non creation of 6th state in S-East

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Chidoka rues loss of N17.4 trillion over non creation of 6th state in S-East

 

By Chuks Eke

Chief Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of Athena Center for Policy and Leadership has lamented the monumental loss of huge amount of money estimate at over N17.4 trillion associated with non creation of an additional state in the Southeast geo-poliitical zone to bring the number of states in the zone at par with number of states in other geo-political zones in the country.

He said it is quite unfortunate that the Southeast zone has only five states in its fold, while four others have six, just as one zone alone in the North has seven states.

Chidoka who spoke at Otu Oka-Iwu (Association of Igbo Lawyers) event, wondered why the federal government cannot redress the imbalance by creating one more additional state in the Southeast zone to bring the number of stayed to six, adding that such an imbalance has forced the zone to be losing an estimated sum of N17.4 trillion over the past 29 years when the states were last created in the country.

According to Chidoka, “due to the absence of a sixth state, which would have contributed significantly to federal allocations and local government revenue, this staggering figure, adjusted for inflation and devaluation, highlights the region’s ongoing economic and political marginalisation, with profound implications for representation, federal receipts, and governance”.

He emphasised that the Southeast has suffered significant financial losses, amounting to N17.4 trillion due to the lack of a sixth state, which would have brought in additional federal allocations and expanded local government revenue.

“The absence of a sixth state in the Southeast is not just a political oversight but a direct financial loss for our region. Over the past 29 years, the Southeast has lost over N17.4 trillion, which could have fueled economic development, improved infrastructure, and enhanced our political representation in the National Assembly,” Chidoka stated.

“This loss is unsustainable, and it is time for us to come together and take the necessary steps to stop these ongoing losses.”

Chidoka, former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC called on Southeast leaders to unite and follow the constitutional process for state creation. He reminded the region that the process, as stipulated in Section 8(1) of the 1999 Constitution, involves the following steps:

1. A formal request for the creation of a new state, supported by at least a two-thirds majority of the Senate, House of Representatives, State House of Assembly, and local government councils in the affected area.

2. Approval through a referendum, where at least two-thirds of the people in the affected area must support the creation of the new state.

3. Approval by a simple majority of all states and their respective Houses of Assembly.

4. Final approval by a two-thirds majority of both chambers of the National Assembly.

“Now is the time for the Southeast to formally request the creation of the sixth state, following the prescribed constitutional process. This is the only way to stop the representation and federal allocation losses,” Chidoka added.

He urged Southeast leaders to play national politics, putting aside internal divisions, and work together to secure the region’s future. “We must stop crying about the absence of the sixth state and instead focus on what is required to make it a reality. The Southeast must place the burden on the Nigerian state to officially recognise our need for equitable representation, resources, and political power”.

The event also featured the presence of Senator Ned Nwoko, who made a passionate case for creating Anioma State as the sixth Igbo state, expanding Igboland and contributing an additional 9,000 square kilometres to the Southeast. Senator Nwoko emphasised the need for the Southeast to strengthen its territorial and political influence by creating a new state fostering greater unity and development.

Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, also spoke at the event, highlighting the political will required to secure the creation of the sixth state for the Southeast. He called for concerted efforts and commitment from the region’s political leadership to ensure that the demand for the new state is taken seriously and given the momentum needed for successful implementation.

“Chief Osita Chidoka’s call for action on creating the sixth state is a change in narrative and request for action on the Southeast leadership. Leaders in the region must now take the necessary steps to ensure the creation of the sixth state, reversing decades of underrepresentation and underdevelopment”, said Obegolu.

Clerics Charged To Uphold Accountability, Contentment and Servant hood

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Clerics Charged To Uphold Accountability, Contentment and Servant hood

 

..As Bishop Owen Ordains Anene, Others as Deacons

By Uzo Ugwunze

Clerics have been charged to embrace the principles of Accountability, Contentment, Servanthood among other virtues as ministers of God as they go about their calling and ministry in God’s Vineyard.

Clerics Charged To Uphold Accountability, Contentment and Servant hood
Clerics Charged To Uphold Accountability, Contentment and Servant hood

The charge was given during the Diaconate ordination of Rev. Stanley Nonso Anene who is also the Director of Administration, University of the Niger Teaching Hospital, Ogidi and three others: Rev. Obi Chinedu Samuel, Rev. Nkwoeze Amos Onwe, Rev. Unegbe Lotanna Uche at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha.

In his homily themed “A faithful Steward 1Cor 4:1-2”, Ven. Angus Umeh who was also the Retreatant to the newly-ordained Deacons reminded clerics that they were mere servants managing what does not belong to them saying that they will give account of their stewardship over God’s heritage.

“True leadership is servanthood, and Servanthood is an attitude exemplified by Jesus Christ “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7). Serving others is the very essence of ministry. Rank is given you to enable you to better serve those above and below you. It is not given for you to practice your idiosyncrasies”.

“A Deacon as a minister of the gospel must be contented, not after filthy lucre or worldly riches, respectful, considering other people’s feelings, accountable, ready to own up their mistakes, transparent, generous, have integrity, faith, show gratitude, diligence and ready to assist the priest who he serves under,” said Ven. Umeh.

The Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo while performing the ordination charged them to maintain their calling and uphold the tenets of the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria as they perform their pastoral duties.

However, Rev. Stanley Nonso Anene after thanking Bishop Nwokolo and the officiating ministers for founding him worthy to be elevated as a Deacon pledged to humbly carry out his duties as a servant. ” All my life have been that of a servant because I have discovered that my purpose in life is to serve God and humanity. I will continue to be a servant leader”.

The duo of Mr Godwin Anene and Mrs Mercy Anene, the father and wife of Rev Nonso Anene respectively thanked God for the new platform to work in God’s Vineyard pledging to support him in every way possible towards fulfilling his ministry and calling.

Benue community, Ezza-Ezekuna petitions Alia over alleged killings of four by Ebonyi warlords

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Benue community, Ezza-Ezekuna petitions Alia over alleged killings of four by Ebonyi warlords

From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi

The people of Ezza-Ezekuna community in Ado Local Government Area (LGA)of Benue State, have raised an alarm over the constant attacks and killings of their people by suspected Effium warlords from Akparata community in Ebonyi State.

The Community has therefore petitioned the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia to come to their aid before their people are wiped out.

Former Secretary of Ado LG and President General of Ezza-Ezekuna Benue Development Association (EEBDA), Lady Perpetual Okafor, who made the call on behalf of her people, said in the latest attack which took place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, four of their people were killed by suspected attackers from Akparata, Effium axis of Ebonyi State.

In a Save Our Soul (SOS), letter to Governor Alia dated 13th December, 2023, signed by Lady Okafor, the people of Ezza-Ezekuna community is appealing to Governor Hyacinth Alia, as security Officer of the State, to liaise with his Ebonyi State counterpart to bring the perpetrators of the heinous act to book and put an end to the unwarranted killings and incessant attacks on Ezza people.

Okafor who expressed worry over the situation said their people can no longer go to market, farms or worship centres, while their children have stopped going to school for fear of being attacked and killed by Effium warlords from Ebonyi State.

“This scenario, your excellency, I’m afraid, is about to get worse unless you rise swiftly to the occasion and act decisively to avert the impending calamity in our beloved area. Our people can no longer go to market, farms and worship centres, while our children have stopped going to school for fear of being attack and killed by Effium warlords of Ebonyi State.

“Indeed, this recently cold reality stared us in the face in a rude and shocking manner because there was no recent disagreement between the two communities before the attackers came to carry out their nefarious act.

“It is in this context, and to further forestall a situation where our peaceful community and our LGA will become a killing field or haven, that we are pleading with you to quickly rework the security of the state, particularly to accommodate the area that are now being threatened by these Effium warlords from Ebonyi state.

While condemning the killing of their people, the community called on Governor Alia to urgently intervene to halt further killings.

“This heart wrecking act revisits the attacks on our people in January 2021, where our people were callously killed without any reason by this same Effium warlords of Ebonyi State. Since then, we the Ezza-Ezekuna people of Benue state have not known peace because no day passes without a case of killing in our community.

“Sir, this heinous crime is not done under the covers or at night. The dastardly act were being perpetrated in broad daylight, when people, including children, were moving about the environment. So, all our communities are now under siege by Effium warlords from Ebonyi State, enthroning anarchy into Benue State.”

The community expressed fear that if nothing is done to stop the killing, the situation could degenerate to full blown war.

“Our people remain perpetually helpless in the face of their killers who usually come to launch unprovoked attacks on them. This yesterday (Thursday) killing has the potential of heightening the tension between the two communities but with God, all will be fine.

“Your Excellency, as concerned citizens of this state, we cannot fold our hands and watch these egregious acts continue to go on without drawing your kind attention to it.

“We, hereby, implore you, as the Chief Security Officer of the State, to liaise with your Ebonyi State counterpart to bring the perpetrators of this heinous act to book and put an end to these unwarranted killings and incessant attacks on our people. We don’t have any other place to go other than Benue state”, Okafor lamented.

The Ezza/Effium crisis, which started in Effium community in Ebonyi state, spilled into Ado LGA in Benue State because of the presence of both Ezza and Effium people in Ado local government.

Over 2000 gets treatment in MUTA’s health fair in Benue

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Over 2000 gets treatment in MUTA’s health fair in Benue

 

From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi

Over 2000 persons have benefited from the ongoing Health Fair in Gboko, Local Government Area LGA of Benue state organized by the Mutual Union of the Tiv in America (MUTA).

MUTA Health Committee Chairman, Dr Orduen Abunku told newsmen at St. John’s Secondary School, Gboko, Benue of the health fair, that the 2-days health fair was being carried out with support from the Catholic Diocese of Gboko and Global Health and Development Initiative who are being sponsored by Red Aide Nigeria.

He said the intention of the union was to support the existing health structures in the state for improved services.

He said most common illness diagnosed so far were eye problems adding that in 1 to 8 persons patients, eye issues were discovered.

He said all kinds of eyes challenges were discovered ranging from eye sight, inching, pains among others.

Abunku, a former commissioner for health and human services in the state said other cases discovered are hypertension, abdominal issues amongst others.

He said “We are here on behalf of the MUTA to conduct a health fair for the people of Gboko at St. John’s Secondary School Gboko, courtesy of the Catholic Diocese Gboko. They offered the facility for us to conduct this fair.

“We have seen over 500 people yesterday, the crowd today is extremely much more than that of yesterday. We have a very competent team that has the capacity to execute the exercise.

“At the end, over 2000 persons are expected to benefit from this health fair. This is part of MUTA’s contribution to the society. Gboko is the traditional headquarters of Tiv people and we decided to conduct the 2024 health fair here.

“Ours is only to complement the efforts of the government and the Catholic Church for our people to have access to quality healthcare service delivery”.

Abunku said he was working with other members of the health fair committee including Dr Terwase Diwa, Mrs Jene Abunku, Helen Nyamor and Ahsizungwe Nyamor.

The head of pharmaceutical unit of the health fair, Dr Diwa said they have enough drugs to meet the needs of the patients.

He said they also made additional plans so that there would not be any shortage adding that the goals and objectives of MUTA were to compliment the existing health structures in the State.

Also, Mrs Jene Abunku said the aim of the union was purely to support the health needs of the people.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Ruth Igbadoo, expressed happiness with the treatment saying she has suffering from eye problems for years and didn’t have the capacity to get medical attention until the fair.

She said the fair has helped her to get the needed attention and thanked the organizers for coming to their aid.

Rep Ugbor decries divide and rule situation in Benue State

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Rep Ugbor decries divide and rule situation in Benue State

 

From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi

The member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Hon Terseer Ugbor has described the divide and rule situation in Benue State as unfortunate and not in the interest of the state.

Ugbor stated this at the wedding reception of Mkehemba Tachin and Mr Eseche Ikhide, held at Sese Park and Event Center Makurdi on Saturday.

Ugbor stated that on a day the state was launching a security outfit meant to fight insecurity, members of the National and State Assembly from the state were not invited.

Ugbor who alleged divide and rule situation under the Governor Hyacinth Alia administration the situation is not in the interest of Benue State as it will only retard the development of the state.

He however assured Benue people that members of the National Assembly, State Assembly and federal appointees from the state along with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, will continue to work together for the unity and development of the state.

He urged the couple, urged the couple to continue to renew their love for each other for the success of their marriage.

In his remark as a representative of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Hon. Ugbor disclosed that the reforms embarked upon by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will sanitize the Nigerian economy.

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a complex problem cannot be solved in a day.

The SGF once again urged Nigerians to give the tax reform bill a chance as it has a lot of benefits for the country.

To the couple, the SGF through Hon. Ugbor urged the couple to be tolerant with one another and also ensure unity of purpose to ensure the success of their marriage.

Imo Catholic Priest Accused Of Deceiving Gov. Uzodinma

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Imo Catholic Priest Accused Of Deceiving Gov. Uzodinma

 

Plans by the Orlu Catholic diocese to acquire the expansive premises of the Technical Skill Acquisition Center (TESAC) where the Orlu Campus of Imo State Polytechnic was located is once again causing ripples, as stakeholders have accused the committee led by former Rector of Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Rev Fr Wence Madu of having deceived the Governor of Imo State,Senator Hope Uzodinma to move the Orlu campus of Imopoly to Omuma,Oru East because of vested interest in the TESAC premises.

It was gathered that Fr Wence Madu, who was Chairman of the Committee on the conversion of Imo Polytechnic from multi campus to a one campus system, and his Secretary, Hon Esther Ukachukwu recommended relocation of the school to pave way for the catholic school project . “That was why he suggested that the school be moved to Omuma so that the Catholic church can take over the TESAC premises.”

Some of those who commented on the development frowned at what they described as the State government’s insensitivity to issues concerning TESAC.

One of the stakeholders in the community, who pleaded anonymity, while speaking to our reporter, said, “it is true that Orlu needs development. We expected the Governor to use his closeness with the Presidency to attract a federal government agency, school or hospital to the site instead of ceding it to the church for a mission owned project that will be limited in scope and operational reach.

When also contacted, the President of Orlu Town Union, Eddie Olumba (Mr E) denied being part of the meeting where the purported decision to cede the TESAC premises to the Catholic Church was endorsed. He debunked speculations that Orlu stakeholders met and agreed to cede the premise to the Orlu Catholic Diocese.

Federal Government Kicks Off Historic Airport Project with Ground-Breaking Ceremony in Abia

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Federal Government Kicks Off Historic Airport Project with Ground-Breaking Ceremony in Abia

 

Federal Government has officially launched the much-anticipated Abia Airport Project with a ground-breaking ceremony held in Nsulu, Isialangwa North LGA.

Key figures attending the ceremony include:

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives

Dr. Alex Otti, Executive Governor of Abia State.

Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Honourable Minister of Aviation

Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Productivity

Hon. Amobi Ogah, Member of the House of Representatives

The airport project, which is being undertaken by Federal Government in collaboration with the Abia Government, is expected to serve as a major boost to Abia State’s economy, enhancing connectivity and fostering further development.

Vegetable Sellers, Petty Traders Forced To Pay Heavy Tax In Ebonyi State

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Vegetable Sellers, Petty Traders Forced To Pay Heavy Tax In Ebonyi State

 

A sad incident which many people have described as an eyesore has occurred at Ebonyi International Market which was renamed St Umahi Margaret International Market by the immediate past administration.

A video which has been circulating online and obtained by our correspondent showed people that claimed to be Ebonyi Taskforce members or operatives forcing petty traders to pay taxes amid the economic hardship in the country.

In the video, a Taskforce member was captured collecting 600 Naira from a petty trader who is selling vegetables worth 1000 Naira.

This means, the petty trader will go home with only 400 naira as his gain in order to feed her family.

Meanwhile, our correspondent, Wisdom Nwedene visited the International Market to ascertain the authenticity of the video and equally interviewed some of the traders and discovered that the sad incident is ongoing at the International Market.

Some of the traders that spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity in order to avoid being victimised by the notorious taskforce operatives confirmed that the ugly incident has been ongoing for a long time.

A 65-year-old woman, Mrs Ngozi Michael said she sells cucumber but always being forced to pay taxes by the taskforce.

According to her, “What you saw in the video is just the truth. We pay from 400 naira to 600 Naira each day by people that claim to be working for the State government.”

“We don’t know if the government is aware of this incident but the truth is that we are suffering. Help us to tell the Ebonyi State Government to come to our rescue. The taxes are becoming a heavy burden on us”.

Another woman who spoke with our correspondent said she sells Vegatables which she planted at the back of her house but still pays tax to the government.

“The truth is that these Vegatables that I am selling, I didn’t buy them. I harvested them from the back of my house but because of the Economic hardship, I decided to sell part of it in order to feed my family.”

“If you bring these Vegatables together, they are not up to 1500 Naira but I have 400 naira to the State Government already. This is really bad and the Governor should be made to be aware of this ugly incident”, she told our correspondent.

As at the time of filing this report, our correspondent reached out to the Special Assistant on New Media to Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Leo Oketa who confirmed that he is aware of the video but will respond soon.

“Yes, I have seen the video which you sent to me on WhatsApp, I will respond soon”, Mr Oketa told our correspondent on telephone phone call.

Recall that Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State in March 2024 cautioned revenue collectors against collecting taxes from vegetable sellers and other petty traders.

This warning was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, in Abakaliki then.

He stated that the governor dropped the hint during the swearing-in of members of the Revenue Appeal Commission held at centenary city, New Government House, Abakiliki.

Nwifuru described the collection of taxes from vegetable sellers as inhuman and urged them to avoid such acts.

He said there was no reason to collect tax from people selling their farm produce in the local markets.

“I want you to go for big big business owners.

“I have told the Revenue Service, I don’t want you to go to the village markets and be collecting tax from vegetable sellers, I have said it times without number.

“I don’t see reasons we should be taxing people who are selling what they got from their farms,” he advised.

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